Multi-face neck tie and method of assembly

ABSTRACT

A multi-face necktie including a u-shaped strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a barrel couplable to the first end and the second end of the u-shaped strap, a secondary tie face having an elongated body couplable to the barrel, and a primary tie face couplable to the barrel such that the primary tie face is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of the secondary tie face, the secondary tie face extending a distance beyond a terminal edge of the primary tie face.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/065,678 filed Oct. 29, 2013, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to neck ties, and, moreparticularly, relates to a necktie having multiple faces and a method ofassembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that neckties are a popular clothing item found in manywardrobes. Wearing a necktie may be hazardous as the length of thenecktie often causes the necktie to become tangled or caught in amachine or other device. As a further disadvantage, neckties may beunsanitary due to the neckties coming into contact with food. Moreover,users often wipe their hands on neckties, further spreading germs. Inaddition, conventional tying of a necktie can become monotonous andaesthetically unappealing.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a multi-face necktie that overcomes thehereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices andmethods of this general type and that provides a necktie having abarrel, a primary face, and a secondary face that extends a distancebeyond the primary face so that each component is visible to a userwearing the necktie.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, inaccordance with the invention, a method of tying a multi-face necktie,the method including providing a necktie having a primary tie face and asecondary tie face opposite the primary tie face, the primary tie faceincluding a right column along a length thereof and the secondary tieface including a left column along a length thereof, placing the rightcolumn of the primary tie face in an overlapping relationship with theleft column of the secondary tie face to create an intersection point,moving the primary tie face behind the intersection point in a verticaldirection away from a ground surface and through an opening defined bythe right and left columns, rotating the primary tie face around theleft column of the secondary tie face at a first location adjacent tothe intersection point, wrapping the primary tie face around the leftcolumn and the right column at a second location adjacent theintersection point, wrapping the primary tie face around the secondarytie face in a right to left direction to form a barrel, pulling theprimary tie face through the opening in an upward direction, and pullingthe primary tie face between the barrel and the intersection point suchthat the barrel is disposed at a location above the primary tie face andthe secondary tie face.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, themethod may include adjusting the primary tie face to a length that isapproximately between 3.0 to 4.5 inches in length and adjusting thesecondary tie face to a length that is approximately between 6.0 to 9.0inches in length.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, themethod may include placing the neck tie around an article of clothingand placing the right column of the primary tie face in an overlappingrelationship with the left column of the secondary tie face such thatthe primary tie face extends a distance beyond the secondary tie face.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the barrelincludes a width of approximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes the barrel, the primary tie face, and the secondarytie face being substantially aligned in a vertical direction withrespect to each other such that the secondary tie face extends adistance beyond the primary tie face, the distance being at least twiceas long as a length of the primary tie face.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thelength of the primary tie face is between approximately 3.0 to 4.5inches.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes multi-face necktie including a u-shaped strap havinga first end and a second end opposite the first end, a barrel couplableto the first end and the second end of the u-shaped strap, a secondarytie face having an elongated body couplable to the barrel, and a primarytie face couplable to the barrel such that the primary tie face isdisposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of the secondarytie face, the secondary tie face extending a distance beyond a terminaledge of the primary tie face.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, themulti-face necktie includes an adjustable fastener coupling the firstend of the u-shaped strap to the second end of the u-shaped strap.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the primarytie face conceals the portion of the secondary tie face in theoverlapping relationship.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, thebarrel includes a top portion and a bottom portion disposed a distancefrom the top portion and the first end second ends of the u-shaped strapare coupled to the top portion of the barrel.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the primarytie face and the secondary tie face are coupled to the bottom portion ofthe barrel.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thebarrel includes a front surface and a back surface opposite the frontsurface and the secondary tie face is coupled to the back surface of thebarrel.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, theprimary tie face includes a length that is between approximately 3.0 to4.5 inches and the secondary tie face includes a length that is betweenapproximately 6.0 to 9.0 inches.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, thesecondary tie face may include a length that is at least approximatelytwice a length of the primary tie face.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thebarrel, the primary tie face, and the secondary tie face aresubstantially aligned in a vertical direction with respect to each othersuch that the barrel, the primary tie face, and the secondary tie faceare visible to a user.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thebarrel includes a width that is approximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of tying a multi-facenecktie includes providing a necktie having a primary tie face and asecondary tie face opposite the primary tie face, the primary tie faceincluding a right column along a length thereof and the secondary tieface including a left column along a length thereof, placing the leftcolumn in an overlapping relationship with the right column to form av-shaped opening, the left column extending a distance beyond a distanceof the right column, wrapping a first portion of the primary tie facearound the left column, wrapping a second portion of the primary tieface around the right column, pulling the primary tie face through thev-shaped opening to create a barrel disposed at a bottom portion of thev-shaped opening, and adjusting the length of at least one of theprimary tie face and the secondary tie face such that the secondary tieface extends a distance beyond a terminal edge of the primary tie face.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the necktie includes an adjustable fastener coupling the right column of theprimary tie face to the left column of the secondary tie face.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, thedistance that the secondary tie face extends beyond the terminal edge ofthe primary tie face is approximately 3.0-4.5 inches.

In accordance with yet a further feature of the present invention, thelength of the primary tie face is adjusted to be approximately half alength of a length of the secondary tie face.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin a multi-face neck tie and method of assembly, it is, nevertheless,not intended to be limited to the details shown because variousmodifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of theinvention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandabledescription of the invention. While the specification concludes withclaims defining the features of the invention that are regarded asnovel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood froma consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term“providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g.,bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/orsupplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at onceor over a period of time.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document,the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a directioncorresponding to an elongated direction of the necktie.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a multi-face necktie in anassembled configuration and coupled to an article of clothing inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 in anunassembled configuration and being tied, the necktie having a primarytie face including a right column along a length thereof and a secondarytie face including a left column along a length thereof in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being coupled to an article of clothing in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being coupled to an article of clothing in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is an elevational front view of the necktie of FIG. 1 depictingthe necktie being coupled to an article of clothing in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevational front view of a primary tie face, a secondarytie face, and a barrel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is an elevational front view of a front surface of a multi-faceneck tie in an assembled configuration in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is an elevational rear view of a rear surface of the multi-faceneck tie of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of tying a multi-faceneck tie in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, whichcan be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient multi-face necktiewhich may be assembled using separate components or which may be createdthrough a method of tying a standard necktie. Embodiments of theinvention provide a barrel, a secondary tie face coupled to the barrel,and a primary tie face coupled to the barrel and disposed in anoverlapping relationship with a portion of the secondary tie face, thesecondary tie face extending a distance beyond a terminal edge of theprimary tie face. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide amethod of tying a multi-face necktie using a standard necktie.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention isshown in an elevational front view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageousfeatures of the present invention, but, as will be described below, theinvention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations offeatures and components, and varying numbers and functions of thecomponents. The first example of a multi-face necktie 100 as shown inFIG. 1, includes a barrel 102, a secondary tie face 104 having anelongated body 106, and a primary tie face 108. The term “elongated” isdefined herein as having a length that is at least twice as long as awidth. The necktie 100 is depicted having the barrel 102, the primarytie face 108, and the secondary tie face 104 substantially aligned in avertical direction with respect to each other. In such verticalconfiguration, the secondary tie face 104 extends a distance beyond theprimary tie face 108, the distance being at least twice as long as alength of the primary tie face 108.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 12, the multi-face necktie 100 may beprovided in the assembled configuration (FIG. 1) using a standardnecktie 110 or through the use of multiple separate components coupledto each other (FIG. 12), which will be described in further detailherein.

With reference to FIGS. 2 through 8, in conjunction with the processflow diagram of FIG. 15, there is provided a method of tying amulti-face necktie, such as the necktie 100 of FIG. 1. The stepsdelineated in the exemplary process flow diagram of FIG. 15 are merelyexemplary of the preferred order of tying a multi-face necktie, and saidsteps may be carried out in another order, with or without additionalsteps included therein. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession maybe executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in someembodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted in FIG. 15 for the sakeof brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process stepsincluded in FIG. 15 can be combined into a single process.

In one embodiment, the method begins at step 1500 and moves directly tostep 1502, of providing a standard necktie, such as the standard necktie110 having the primary tie face 108 and the secondary tie face 104opposite the primary tie face 108, the primary tie face 108 including aright column 112 along a length thereof and the secondary tie face 104including a left column 114 along a length thereof. With reference toFIG. 2, in step 1504, in one embodiment, the method continues throughthe placing the left column 114 in an overlapping relationship with theright column 112 to form a v-shaped opening 116, the left column 114extending a distance beyond a distance of the right column 114. Thedistance may vary according to the overall length of the necktie 110. Inone embodiment, the process proceeds to step 1506, including wrapping afirst portion of the primary tie face around the left column. Asdepicted in FIG. 2, the primary tie face 108 may be pulled through thev-shaped opening 116. An intersection point 118 is disposed adjacent thev-shaped opening 116.

With reference to FIGS. 3 through 6, in step 1508, the method mayinclude wrapping a second portion of the primary tie face 108 around theright column 112. With reference to FIGS. 7 through 8, in oneembodiment, in step 1510, the method includes pulling the primary tieface 108 through the v-shaped 116 opening to create the barrel 102disposed at a bottom portion 118 of the v-shaped opening 116.

With reference to FIG. 8, in step 1512, the method may include adjustingthe length of at least one of the primary tie face 108 and the secondarytie face 104 such that the secondary tie face 104 extends a distancebeyond a terminal edge 800 of the primary tie face 108. In oneembodiment, the distance beyond the terminal edge 800 of the primary tieface 108 may be approximately 3.0 to 4.5 inches. In other embodiments,the distance may be outside of this range. In one embodiment, theprimary tie face 108 may be adjusted to a length that is approximatelybetween 3.0 to 4.5 inches and the secondary tie face 104 may be adjustedto a length that is approximately between 6.0 to 9.0 inches. In otherembodiments, the primary tie face 108 may be adjusted to a length thatis approximately greater or less than approximately 3.0 to 4.5 inchesand the secondary tie face 104 may be adjusted to a length that isgreater or less than approximately 6.0 to 9.0 inches. The measurementsprovided herein are provided for exemplary purposes and are not intendedto be limiting. As such, a user is provided with the convenient optionof adjusting the lengths of the primary tie face 108 and the secondarytie face 104 to suit the user's preference.

With reference to FIGS. 9-11, in one embodiment, the method may includeplacing the necktie 100 around an article of clothing 900. AlthoughFIGS. 9-11 depict the article of clothing 900 as a shirt having acollar, the article of clothing is defined herein in its broadestpossible sense and may include another type of shirt or clothing item.The method ends at step 1514.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a barrel 1201, a primary tie face 1202, asecondary tie face 1204, and a pair of straps 1206, 1208 are depicted asseparate components which may be coupled together to form a necktie 1200as best shown in the assembled views of FIGS. 13 and 14. Morespecifically, the barrel 1201 includes a front surface 1212 and a rearsurface 1214, the primary tie face 1202 includes a front surface 1216and a rear surface 1218, and the secondary tie face 1204 includes afront surface 1220 and a rear surface 1222. The components may beremovably or non-removably coupled to each other using one or morefasteners 1210 a-n, where the number of fasteners a-n can be any number.The fasteners 1210 a-n may be, without limitation, clothes pins, thread,adhesive, hooks and loop attachments, and the like. In one embodiment,the fastener 1210 a is a metal hook, the fastener 1210 b is a clip, thefastener 1210 c is an elastic band, the fastener 1210 d is a knot, andthe fastener 1210 e is a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro®.

In one embodiment, the straps 1206, 1208 may be coupled to each otherusing the fastener 1210 c and one or more adjusting members. As such,the straps 1206, 1208 provide a user with the ability to adjust thestraps 1206, 1208 to suit the user's neck and collar size. In otherembodiments, the straps 1206, 1208 may also be coupled to each otherusing a metal hook, buttons, a standard knot, Velcro®, or anothersuitable fastening mechanism. The straps 1206, 1208 may also be coupledto the rear surface 1214 of the barrel 1201 using one or more fasteners.

In one embodiment, in order to conceal the fastening components andprovide an aesthetically appealing necktie 1200, the primary tie face1202 and the secondary tie face 1204 may also be coupled to the rearsurface 1214 of the barrel 1201. In other embodiments, the primary tieface 1202 and the secondary tie face 1204 may coupled to the frontsurface 1212 of the barrel 1201.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, an elevational front view and anelevational rear view of the necktie 1200, respectively, are shown. Morespecifically the necktie 1200 is depicted having an adjustable fastener1300 coupling the strap 1206 to the strap 1208 to form a u-shaped strap1302. Advantageously, the adjustable fastener 1300 provides the userwith an adjustable necktie 1200. In one embodiment, the u-shaped strap1302 may include a first end 1304 coupled to the barrel 1201 and asecond end 1306 coupled to the barrel 1201. More specifically, in oneembodiment, the barrel 1201 may include a top portion 1308 and a bottomportion 1310 opposite the top portion 1308. The top portion 1308 mayhave the straps 1206, 1208 coupled thereto, whereas the bottom portion1310 may have the secondary tie face 1204 coupled thereto. In the samevein, in one embodiment, the barrel 1201 includes a width ofapproximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches. In other embodiments, the barrel 1201may be outside of this range.

A necktie and a method of tying a necktie having been disclosed, thenecktie having a barrel, a secondary tie face coupled to the barrel, anda primary tie face coupled to the barrel and disposed in an overlappingrelationship with a portion of the secondary tie face, the secondary tieface extending a distance beyond the primary tie face, the distancebeing at least twice as long as a length of the primary tie face.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of tying a multi-face necktie, themethod comprising: providing a necktie having a primary tie face and asecondary tie face opposite the primary tie face, the primary tie faceincluding a right column along a length thereof and the secondary tieface including a left column along a length thereof; placing the rightcolumn of the primary tie face in an overlapping relationship with theleft column of the secondary tie face to create an intersection point;moving the primary tie face behind the intersection point in a verticaldirection away from a ground surface and through an opening defined bythe right and left columns; rotating the primary tie face around theleft column of the secondary tie face at a first location adjacent tothe intersection point; wrapping the primary tie face around the leftcolumn and the right column at a second location adjacent theintersection point; wrapping the primary tie face around the secondarytie face in a right to left direction to form a barrel; pulling theprimary tie face through the opening in an upward direction; and pullingthe primary tie face between the barrel and the intersection point suchthat the barrel is disposed at a location above the primary tie face andthe secondary tie face.
 2. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: adjusting the primary tie face to a length that isapproximately between 3.0 to 4.5 inches in length; and adjusting thesecondary tie face to a length that is approximately between 6.0 to 9.0inches in length.
 3. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: placing the neck tie around an article of clothing; andplacing the right column of the primary tie face in an overlappingrelationship with the left column of the secondary tie face such thatthe primary tie face extends a distance beyond the secondary tie face.4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the barrel includes a widthof approximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein: the barrel, the primary tie face, and the secondary tie faceare substantially aligned in a vertical direction with respect to eachother such that the secondary tie face extends a distance beyond theprimary tie face, the distance being at least twice as long as a lengthof the primary tie face.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein:the length of the primary tie face is between approximately 3.0 to 4.5inches.
 7. A multi-face necktie comprising: a u-shaped strap having afirst end and a second end opposite the first end; a barrel couplable tothe first end and the second end of the u-shaped strap; a secondary tieface having an elongated body couplable to the barrel; and a primary tieface couplable to the barrel such that the primary tie face is disposedin an overlapping relationship with a portion of the secondary tie face,the secondary tie face extending a distance beyond a terminal edge ofthe primary tie face.
 8. The multi-face necktie according to claim 7,further comprising: an adjustable fastener coupling the first end of theu-shaped strap to the second end of the u-shaped strap.
 9. Themulti-face necktie according to claim 8, wherein: the primary tie faceconceals the portion of the secondary tie face in the overlappingrelationship.
 10. The multi-face necktie according to claim 7, wherein:the barrel includes a top portion and a bottom portion disposed adistance from the top portion; and the first end second ends of theu-shaped strap are coupled to the top portion of the barrel.
 11. Themulti-face necktie according to claim 10, wherein: the primary tie faceand the secondary tie face are coupled to the bottom portion of thebarrel.
 12. The multi-face necktie according to claim 7, wherein: thebarrel includes a front surface and a back surface opposite the frontsurface; and the secondary tie face is coupled to the back surface ofthe barrel.
 13. The multi-face necktie according to claim 7, wherein:the primary tie face includes a length that is between approximately 3.0to 4.5 inches; and the secondary tie face includes a length that isbetween approximately 6.0 to 9.0 inches.
 14. The multi-face necktieaccording to claim 7, wherein: the secondary tie face includes a lengththat is at least approximately twice a length of the primary tie face.15. The multi-face necktie according to claim 7, wherein: the barrel,the primary tie face, and the secondary tie face are substantiallyaligned in a vertical direction with respect to each other such that thebarrel, the primary tie face, and the secondary tie face are visible toa user.
 16. The multi-face necktie according to claim 7, wherein: thebarrel includes a width that is approximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches.
 17. Amethod of tying a multi-face necktie, the method comprising: providing anecktie having a primary tie face and a secondary tie face opposite theprimary tie face, the primary tie face including a right column along alength thereof and the secondary tie face including a left column alonga length thereof; placing the left column in an overlapping relationshipwith the right column to form a v-shaped opening, the left columnextending a distance beyond a distance of the right column; wrapping afirst portion of the primary tie face around the left column; wrapping asecond portion of the primary tie face around the right column; pullingthe primary tie face through the v-shaped opening to create a barreldisposed at a bottom portion of the v-shaped opening; and adjusting thelength of at least one of the primary tie face and the secondary tieface such that the secondary tie face extends a distance beyond aterminal edge of the primary tie face.
 18. The method according to claim17, wherein: the neck tie includes an adjustable fastener coupling theright column of the primary tie face to the left column of the secondarytie face.
 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: the distancethat the secondary tie face extends beyond the terminal edge of theprimary tie face is approximately 3.0-4.5 inches.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 17, wherein: the length of the primary tie face isadjusted to be approximately half a length of a length of the secondarytie face.